FG proposes 48-hour weekly limit for locum doctors, mandates rest periods

Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has proposed a national policy that caps locum doctors' work at 48 hours per week, limits continuous duty to 24 hours, and requires mandatory rest periods, a break after six hours of work, and limits call duties to two per week and one weekend call per month.

The policy tackles longstanding concerns over excessive workloads and staffing shortages in Nigeria’s health system. It comes after a resident doctor died following a reported 72‑hour shift in September 2025, reigniting debate about doctor burnout. Nigeria has roughly four doctors per 10,000 people, below the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 4.45, and the exodus of medical professionals abroad adds pressure on those remaining.

Locum personnel will receive overtime pay for hours beyond 48 weekly, must have at least 12 hours between shifts and a 24‑hour rest after weekday or weekend calls, and a one‑hour break after six hours of continuous work. Call duties are capped at two weekly and one weekend monthly, distributed equitably. Initial locum contracts cannot exceed six months, with only one six‑month renewal allowed; after 12 months of continuous engagement the position becomes eligible for permanent appointment. Hospitals must document extra hours, provide orientation, safe working conditions, adequate call rooms and refreshments, and are barred from using locum arrangements as a permanent substitute for substantive recruitment. Will these limits finally ease burnout and improve patient care in Nigeria’s hospitals?

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/08/17/nigeria-moves-to-cap-locum-doctors-work-at-48-hours-weekly/